Related Articles

Interstate 75 enters Tennessee from central Kentucky and runs just about parallel with the Tennessee portion of the Appalachian Mountain Range before crossing the state line into Georgia. Knoxville and Sweetwater are both along I-75 and are convenient to many interesting places to see in Tennessee. Families traveling by RV will find nearby campgrounds for accommodations to enjoy the area.

Locations

Raccoon Valley is located in Heiskell, just outside of Knoxville, amid the Smoky Mountains. It offers full-hookup campsites with 30- and 50-amp service, and some are pull-through sites. Kampgrounds of American (KOA) in Sweetwater offers pull-through full-hookup sites with 30- and 50-amp service. Tennessee Country Campground and RV Park is located in Niota, between Sweetwater and Athens. Tennessee Country offers full hookups with 20-, 30- and 50-amp service and pull-through sites.

Amenities

Campground amenities include showers and restrooms, wireless Internet, cable TV and laundry facilities. Raccoon Valley and Sweetwater KOA have swimming pools and planned activities. All three campgrounds are pet-friendly, provided the pets are kept on a leash. Sweetwater KOA and Tennessee Country offer propane tank exchanges, and KOA also sells firewood. Tennessee Country has a small camp store. Raccoon Valley also has a clubhouse with a TV, library and kitchen.

Activities

Activities vary among the different campgrounds and areas but include hiking, fishing, boating, golfing, biking, miniature golf, games, social hours, ice cream socials, darts and pool. Raccoon Valley advises caution when hiking because black bears inhabit the Smoky Mountains. The National Park Service indicates that there are approximately 1,500 bears in the park. It also notes that disturbing, feeding, touching or teasing wildlife in the park is prohibited.

Attractions

Attractions in the area include Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee National Forest, the Museum of Appalachia, Dollywood, Sweetwater’s antique district, Fort Loudon state historical area, the Knoxville Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee Valley Railroad and the Lost Sea, the largest underground lake in America. Coker Creek, located in the Cherokee National Forest, provides an opportunity to try panning for gold. For a special sweet treat, Mayfield Dairy Farms offers tours and ice-cream tasting.

Costs

Park accommodations range per night. Rates are also available by the week or the month if you are interested in an extended visit.